Can I insure a pet with medical conditions?
Finding insurance for pets with pre-existing conditions is sometimes possible, although it may be difficult – the majority of insurers don't cover existing medical problems.
If your pet has been unwell in the past but has been symptom- and treatment-free for a while, you may be able to find a policy that covers them for their condition. Use our comparison above to compare pet insurance.
UK providers will usually say that pre-existing conditions increase the risk of you needing to make a claim. Therefore, you can expect policies covering existing conditions to be more expensive.
Although pet insurance isn't a legal requirement, it could be very helpful financially if your pet needs veterinary treatment.
Can you get cover for your pet with existing conditions?
What conditions can I cover with pet insurance?
A pre-existing condition can mean several different things, and every insurer will have its own definition.
For example, it could be a condition that:
began – or showed symptoms – before you took the policy out
is the result of an illness or injury your pet had prior to the policy start date
ends up being linked to a diagnosis your pet already had before purchasing the policy
Pre-existing conditions can fall into different categories. Some are easier to find cover for than others.
Historic conditions
Historic conditions are those that your pet has had in the past but no longer suffers from. You can find cover for historic conditions using the comparison above. Most insurers only cover historic conditions if your pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for a set amount of time. They may need to have been free of symptoms and treatment for three months to two years, and you may only be offered a limited level of cover.
Chronic conditions
Long-term or incurable conditions that your pet will have for their whole life are deemed chronic. Common examples of chronic conditions include:
diabetes
cancer
obesity
allergies
asthma and urinary tract infections in cats
glaucoma or arthritis in dogs
There are currently no pet insurance companies that cover chronic conditions.
Hereditary and congenital conditions
Some pets can suffer fromgenetic conditions. These tend to affect pedigree/pure-bred animals and may be a result of inbreeding. Some insurance companies will cover these, but you might find there's a limit to how much you will be allowed to claim for them. It's wise to get cover before any hereditary conditions develop. Lifetime pet insurance policies may be able to offer you the best deal in this case.
Bilateral conditions
Bilateral conditions affect both sides of your pet's body. For example, this could be hip dysplasia, cataracts, luxating patellas or cruciate ligament issues. Some policies cover these, but others don't.
Unusual conditions
If your pet has a particularly unusual existing illness, you could try to find a specialised policy. Bear in mind that UK providers are likely to charge far more for specialist pet insurance than they would for standard cover. They may also prevent you from claiming for a certain period after taking it out, and they might charge a much higher excess.
You'll then have to decide which is likely to be the best option. Will specialist insurance work out more expensive over time, or would it be more expensive to pay upfront for the vet's bills for treatment?
Can I get a policy if my pet is ill?
You can still cover your pet if you opt to exclude those pre-existing conditions. You're likely to be able to get cover for them against things like:
vet fees for illnesses they develop during the term of your policy
vet fees for injuries they could have in the future
theft
loss (and advertising for lost animals)
death
legal advice
third-party liability
pet boarding fees if you can't look after them because you've fallen ill
However, it's rare to find a provider offering pet insurance that specifically covers those pre-existing conditions. For example, if your pet has a skin problem when you take out your policy, your insurer won't cover the cost of any treatment they need for it. But they'll cover them if they develop another, unrelated illness.
When you apply for pet insurance, pre-existing conditions that your pet suffers from must be declared. Any chronic conditions they have will be excluded from your policy.
This guide outlines everything a pet insurance policy can cover.
Here is how to find the right policy for your pet
